Chunky orthopedic looking sneakers have been the craze this season with notable fashion houses such as Gucci, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Acne Studios taking their own spin on it.

While I’m not a huge fan of the dad look, I do have a love for sneakers because they are comfortable, can be styled up or down and won’t hinder you if you’re in a situation that requires quick movement.

Spring is just around the corner and having a good pair of sneakers is crucial for all the activities that come with the spring and summer season.

I read once that an outfit starts from the shoes up, so it’s important to invest in a good pair of sneakers with a unique flair to take your outfits to the next level.

It’s 2018 and everyone and their mom is trying to grow their social media accounts, more specifically Instagram, and using tags and hashtags is a vital step that is part of the process.

Using tags allows your photos to show up in the tagged section of the Instagram pages you tagged, in hopes that when tagged pages and people who are looking for relevant content they can stumble upon and engage with your photos. Hashtags allow Instagram pages you’ve tagged to have permission to re-post your photos on their page and it increases your chances of Instagram pages seeing your posts.

With the ever changing Instagram algorithms it can be hard to stay on top of things and know what hashtags are still relevant. First, using up to 30 hashtags in the comments would suffice but now they must be in the caption and you should use a recommended 5-10 hashtags, so Instagram doesn’t view your post as spam and ghost them. In addition, the hashtags you use for each photo should be different or else Instagram may view your page as spam.

The photos I post on my Instagram are a combination of travel, fashion and digital media and they each require different tags and hashtags to have the right people potentially see my content.

For this post I’m going to focus on travel hashtags on Instagram, so it can be a mega list and it’s up to you to figure out which set if best for your travel niche

The rule of thumb for hashtags is to use a mix of large feature accounts, general travel hashtags, and ones specific to your photo.

Over the past year I’ve been using a series of travel hashtags that I’ve compiled from various articles and seeing what other Instagram users in the same niche are using to tag and hashtag their photos.

As a fellow freelance photographer, I fully understand the struggle to scout locations for photo shoots or getting permission to shoot in locations of your dreams.

Unless you work with an agency or are friends with someone who is a professional location scouter then it can be super discouraging trying to find the perfect location for your creative vision.

Over the past two years I’ve spend time putting together editorial photo shoots that require the perfect location to help tell the story and pull the vision together and throughout all my trials and errors, I’ve simplified the struggle of scouting locations for freelance photographers.

1. Instagram Geotags

Don’t lie and admit that you hella stalk people on Instagram but when you do, make it productive and pay attention to location geotags. The new save feature on Instagram makes it super easy to keep an organized virtual folder of potential locations.

Another way to use geotags in Instagram to your advantage is to do a location search to see if there are any cool locations that people have taken photos of near you or whatever place you’re searching for a location in.

2. Driving Around

The classic and obvious tactic is just driving around to see what you can find, but it can be difficult since you need to pay attention to the road while trying be on the lookout for aesthetically pleasing locations.

For my collaboration with Tobi.com, I chose a certain location that I thought would fit best and drove around the neighborhood to find specific spots that were aesthetically pleasing for each outfit.

If you choose to do this, I would recommend going really early in the morning so you avoid all the traffic and commotion of other drivers or have a someone else drive so you can ride passenger. And whenever you are just riding in a car always be looking for spots you can revisit later on your own time.

A great way to keep a record of all theses locations you see on the go is to snap a picture with your phone, it doesn’t have to perfect because all you really want is the location stamp.

When I used to work in Downtown Houston I would always get off the same exit and see this car garage in an aesthetically pleasing building that always had tires stacked up. One day I finally came up with a concept and did a photo shoot there!

3. ShotHotspot

ShotHotspot is a great website to start your search for basic locations, because all the work has already been done for you. The site allows you to search by a city, town or region and filters them for you.

The results appear on an interactive map, so you can easily see the proximity and a variety of photos taken at that location by other users to get a feel of what you would be working with.

A majority of the locations will be ones that have been photographed over a million times, so if you’re looking for a spot more unique then ShotHotspot probably won’t benefit you much.

4. Google Search

Google should seriously be every photographers’ best friend, because it can solve all your problems when it comes to location scouting.

If there’s a specific theme you’re aiming for then doing a search for something like “colorful buildings in Houston” will pull up anything related to that search and it’s up to you to sift through the results and see if there’s any information useful for you.

For my Western Summer Editorial, I was super adamant about finding a vintage gas station and since I was living in Iowa at the time, I was heavily searching for “abandoned towns in Iowa” and eventually I stumbled across a project called Forgotten Iowa.

The project is run by Cody Weber who is dedicated to driving around to different cities in Iowa and photographing them before they succumb to nature. His quest allowed me to stumble upon Vincent, Iowa which was the perfect location for the photo shoot and only 50 minutes away from me.

5. Google Earth

The beauty of Google Earth is the fact that you can see different locations in 3D without having to leave the comfort of your own home. If you come across an address during your online search then you can put it into Google Earth to see if it’s still there.

Once I came across a Flickr album from 2009 full of awesome locations around Houston and was quickly saddened when I did a search and saw that majority of them had been demolished in recent years.

You can also use Google Earth to creep on random locations near you to see if there are any potential photography spots in places that you’ve just never looked.

Spring is almost less than a month away and hopefully it’s making you excited for warmer weather and if you’re an avid black color wearer like me, also trying to incorporate brighter colors into your outfits.

This outfit features an item that’s pretty rare in my closet, which is dresses. Although they are insanely comfortable, my go-to is typically oversized graphic tees and comfy pants with sneakers.

The dress I’m wearing is actually one of the items that is currently up on my Depop and it’s obviously very comfortable and on trend with the square neckline. Shift dresses are always easy because you can throw it on and be done. The yellow, orange, and green floral print on the dress is so bright and fun making it perfect for the spring and summer time.

I’m the kind of person whose always freezing so I always need a jacket of some sort with me and it’s a great way to make an outfit your own, so I added a big black oversized coaches jacket that is also for sale on my Depop.

Air Force Ones have been my number one shoes because they’re so comfy, easy to slip on and go with pretty much every outfit. I’m definitely planning on getting them in white even though everyone has those. Sorry, but you just can’t beat a classic!

The accessories I added are a choker from Free People that I got over two years ago and sunglasses from Urban Outfitters that I purchased within the past 2 months, but I’ll try to link similar pieces below.

Photos shot by: Bushwillows Photography

*I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links below*

Shop exact or similar:

What color are you excited to wear this Spring? Let me know in the comments.

It’s safe to say that I’ve caught the travel bug, because I’ve made it a quest to photograph every country in the world. Sounds wild, but it’s definitely possible because quite a few people have done it before me.

Since my recent trip to Iceland, I’ve been obsessed with reading travel guides to various countries and saving photos on my travel Pinterest board. It’s crazy to think that stunning places like Greenland, Thailand, and Prague exist (these don’t even scratch the surface).

Traveling, while it’s exhausting, is such an amazing experience that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. There’s nothing better than exploring a new country, trying new foods, and being surrounded by all the natural beauty in the world.

Now-a-days you can get round-trip flights to different countries around the world for cheap, so you really have no excuse! It’s all about choosing how to want to spend your time and money.

This is the year for you to get out of your comfort zone and experience new things, so if you’re having trouble deciding which new country to visit in 2018, I’ve put together a list of my top 10 travel destinations for 2018.

1. Cuba

If you’re looking for nature, culture, and traditions then make sure to put Cuba on your list. It’s an island located in the western part of the Caribbean that offers stunning beaches, architecture, and lots of adventure. The weather in Cuba is tropical and humid depending on the season. November to April is the winter season and not really rainy while May to October is summer time and the rainy season.

They specialize in tobacco, rum, and coffee and it’s a must to try authentic Cuban dishes such as Casabe, Tamales, and roasted pork. Cobble stone streets are lined with pastel houses and 1950’s era cars which is seriously a photographers’ dream.

Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos are cities that can’t be missed when visiting Cuba because they all offer so much history and life. Must see attractions include The Malecón which is a seawall, The Cathedral Havana, Playa Ancon in Trinidad and The Arch de Triumph in Cienfuegos.

Source: http://www.cubatravel.cu/en/about-cuba/weather-of-cuba

2. Indonesia

Indonesia is home to over 17,500 islands and wildly known for their beaches, elephant shelters, Komodo dragons, and Monkey Forest. It’s located off the coast of Southeast Asia in between the Indian and Pacific Ocean.

The climate in Indonesia is tropical so they have a wet season between November and March and a dry season between April and October. The island offers a mix of vibrant beaches, city life, and stunning views with a rich ancient history that you have to experience for yourself.

Bali, Komoto Island, Jakarta, and Lombok are just a few of the cities to put on your itinerary and must see attractions in Indonesia are the Sacred Monkey Forest, Borobudur Temple, and Prambanan.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/place/Indonesia

3. Japan

Japan has the best of both worlds when it comes to beaches, mountains, ancient history, and city life. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it is home to thousands of shrines and temples, modern architecture, and mountainous national parks that all offer a timeless experience.

Japan’s beauty is enjoyed all year round, when you decide to travel there just depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Summer boasts vibrant festivals and enjoying the coast, Fall brings an array of autumnal foliage and pleasant temperatures, Spring is peak season and offers the amazing experience of cherry blossoms, and Winter has amazing skiing, snowboarding and hot springs.

Toyko, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mount Fuji are just a few of the amazing cities you can visit in Japan. Tokyo is the capital and offers thousands of choices for entertainment, shopping, culture, food and is the most populated cities in the world.

Must see attractions in Japan include Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, Naoshima (if you enjoy art), Toyko Tower, Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle but there are tons more all throughout the country.

https://www.japan-guide.com/

4. Madagascar

Madagascar truly is one of kind because it houses animal species that are only found on this island located off the southeast coast of Africa. It offers rich landscapes with rain forests, reefs and blue water. The rainy season falls between January and March with cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists, April or May is the best time to visit because of the fresh lush greenery, but all the way through December is great too depending on what you want to do.

Activities to do in Madagascar include hiking, river canoeing, and looking for lemurs in one of the many national parks. The national parks offer unique wildlife, stunning scenery, waterfalls and forests.

Must see places are the Avenue of the Boababs featuring centuries old trees, Isalo National Park, Nosy Be, and Tsiribihina River where you can take a river tour.

https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/madagascar

5. Bangladesh

Bangladesh most likely isn’t someones first thought when deciding on where to take a vacation next, but it’s a country that you can’t overlook. Located on the Bay of Bengal to the east of India it’s home to tons of waterways, rich culture, and lush greenery. Don’t be surprised if you’re constantly traveling by boat because that’s the beauty of it.

In Bangladesh you can see the Bengal Tiger in their natural habitat in the mangrove forest and if you want something more calm you can choose to enjoy the many tea gardens and fruit plantations.

Monsoon months are between July and September and it’s typically humid and hot. October through February is the best time to go because the weather is fresh and dry.

Must see spots in Bangladesh are the Kantanagar Temple in Dinajpur, Somapuri Vihara which is the ruins of the Buddhist Vihara, and the Sixty Dome Mosque also known as the Shait Gumbad Mosque.

6. Croatia

Croatia is a great destination if you’re aching for a Mediterranean getaway, because there are miles of coastlines and more than thousand islands for you to enjoy. There’s a ton of architecture dating back to the 16th century, crystal blue waters, natural wonders, hidden gems, and diverse museums to explore.

The peak season is between July and August and the most expensive time to go, so if you’re looking for a discount then go any other time of the year. It’s been said to occasionally snow during the winter, but it rarely snows along the coast.

Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Havr are cities that you can’t miss if you’re ready for stunning coastal views, rich architecture and urban cities, and lots of beautiful nature.

Must see attractions in Croatia are the Dalmatian Coast, waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park and the architectural marvels in Zagreb.

7. Bhutan

Bhutan is a vibrant country with deep ancient roots that play a huge role in the art, culture, food, and architecture. The landscape is filled with wondrous mountains and deep valleys waiting for you to explore. Physical activities include hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing and more for adventure lovers and many relaxing activities such as retreats for those who seek wellness and spirituality.

Classic foods you have to try are Momos, which are Tibetan-style dumplings is stuffed with pork, beef or cabbages and cheese and Ema Datsh which is made with green beans, ferns, potatoes, mushrooms or swapping the regular cheese for yak cheese.

Although the climate in Bhutan typically varies, the monsoon season falls between June and September with heavy rain and high humidity and the dry season is in early March until mid April.

Thimpu, Paro, Bumthang, and Trashigang are cities that must be on your list and a few of the must see places are Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong and National Museum of Bhutan.

http://www.tourism.gov.bt/

8. USA Southwest

I can’t neglect the U.S. in my top 10 list because international travel isn’t for everyone and there’s still a lot of great sites to see. West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Southern California, and Utah pose as the best states to travel to if you want a true desert experience. There’s tons of mountain views, amazing desert landscapes, and National Parks with high peaks, canyons, and hot springs to explore.

If you want to knock them all out within a week or two and save money on flights, then you should consider doing a road trip and that’ll allow you to get off the beaten path. Fall is typically the best time to go because of the colorful foliage and cooler temperatures and winter is typically the busier time because Northerners comes to the South for warmer weather.

Cities you should definitely have on your itinerary include Phoenix, Tuscan, and Page in Arizona, Santa Fe, Roswell, and White Sands in New Mexico, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree in California, Monument Valley and Arches National Park in Utah. Must sees include Zion National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Lower/Upper Antelope just to name a few but there are tons more in each of the states.

9. Peru

Peru, located in South America and surrounded by five other countries with a coastline along the Pacific Ocean. It’s most known for Machu Picchu and the lush Amazon Rainforest and it’s a great destination for ancient sites and amazing mountain hikes. It’s lively with music and dance, rich culture and traditions and has a mix of everything when it comes to the jungle, highlands, and coastline.

The best time to visit Peru is during the winter months which is between May through September because the weather is dry. December through March is the summer time and considered the wettest months. Activities that you can experience in Peru include mountain biking, surfing, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking and more.

Cities to visit in Peru include Lima, Cusco, and Ica but there are tons of other cities to visit all throughout Peru. Popular attractions just to name a few include the obvious Machu Picchu, Chavín de Huántar, and Colca Canyon.

https://www.peru.travel/en-us/

10. Czech Republic

Czech Republic is a European country that has a long medieval history dating back to the 9th century with tons of castles and old town buildings. Expect lots of pubs, museums, churches, and gardens in the capital city of Prague and you can experience hiking and canoeing in other parts of the country.

The best time of year to travel to Czech Republic truly depends on what kind of activities you’re wanting to do. In the early spring and fall is a good time to visit because of the milder weather and smaller crowds. The winter season is nice for a festive experience with all the white snow and Christmas markets.

Prague, Český Krumlov, and Brno are a must is you want to fully experience the picturesque cities and attractions you can’t miss include cruises on the Vltava, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and Old Town Square.

http://www.czechtourism.com/home/

Hopefully this list inspires you to get out and go see what else the world has to offer. What trips do you have coming up? Let me know in the comments.